medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
In the Irish tradition watching the body has been standard for a long time.
You will find details in my book
http://mysite.verizon.net/cbladey/bookie4a.html
The Wake which knows no Sleeping
It has been said that this is an indo-european remnant as Hindus share
the importance of watching the body.
Much of the separation of preparation and watching from sanctifying and
burial is re-enforced by the poor relationship between church and
people. Church was seen as oppressive and excessivly regulating and
"official" whereas ordinary people knew best. Additionally explanation
is given by citing the need for relatives to travel distances and
importances to the living of everyone being present. In this way wakes
took several days and much entertainment grew up.
Possibly many cultural dimensions support what is essentially
preparation of the body, assembly of those concerned, development of
reciprical ties to the widow or widdower and protection of the transit
of the soul.
Conrad
Cormack, Margaret Jean wrote:
>medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
>
>This is something of a follow up to an earlier discussion. Regardless of whether hands and feet
>were tied, when do bodies of other than religious start to be 'watched' over in churches prior to burial? I´ve just
>come across a reference which implies that this did not become usual until the 13th century, at least
>in Liege; until that time, the body was kept overnight in the house of the deceased, and all kinds of inappropriate
>(in the eyes of the preachers) activity took place - hence the desire to get the bodies into the church where
>things could be controlled to a greater degree. Not that this was foolproof; in the example I´m interested in, the body sits up and demons attack the sole watcher . . . .
>Any references to customary practice will be appreciated,
>Meg
>
>
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